Centre right, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and Gene Hodge sign copies of a $1.31 million contract to lay sewer pipes in Road Town, during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Premier’s Office. Photo: JASON SMITH

Plans to upgrade the decrepit sewer pipe network in Road Town and replace storm-damaged roads and infrastructure in East End took a step forward Tuesday when officials inked more than $2.8 million in construction contracts.

Centre right, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and Gene Hodge sign copies of a $1.31 million contract to lay sewer pipes in Road Town, during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Premier’s Office. Photo: JASON SMITH
Both projects will begin within the next month, Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool said. He added that he was “extremely happy” that the projects have reached this stage after years of delays.

The East End preparatory works will include refurbishing drains, retaining walls and roads in Parham Town, a job to be performed by Ashley Ritter’s Sandwise Construction Limited at a cost of $1.56 million, Mr. Vanterpool said.

He added that three firms submitted bids for the project, which he said will begin in “a month’s time” and finish within six months.

Also on Tuesday, Mr. Vanterpool, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and other officials signed a $1.31 million contract with Gene Hodge Backhoe, Bulldozer and Trucking Company Ltd. as part of the Road Town Sewerage Project.

The firm, which was one of four to bid for the contract, will lay more than 1,500 feet of pipe, install 12 concrete manholes, and complete supporting works in town as part of the contract.

Those works will finish within 10 weeks, Mr. Vanterpool said, adding that he hopes drivers will be patient while the works are ongoing.

See the May 22, 2014 edition for full coverage.

{fcomment}